Chapter 1663

She had once thought she was someone's top priority in life.

But it turned out to be just her imagination.

If she hadn't harbored hope, she wouldn't be drowning in such disappointment and despair.

Thalassa curled her lips into a bitter smile, choosing not to respond, and continued to listen to Joshua speak.

“I hope, before my time comes, to see Rosalind’s wedding bells ring. I know Lysander well; once he marries Rosalind, he’ll never let her down. Handing her over to him, I can rest easy.”

Those words hit Thalassa like a wave of acid, anger surging to her heart. She nearly stood up in agitation but managed to suppress it, clenching her fists tight. Digging her nails into her palms, she used the pain to calm herself down.

Her breath trembled as she stared at Joshua with clear, wounded eyes, “Do you even realize that Lysander is the father of my four children?”

Rosalind is your daughter, but am I not?

You let your beloved daughter take over the father of my children, and you call this love?

What kind of logic is that?

She held back the rest of her thoughts, keeping them buried in her heart. But her quivering breath betrayed the anger and pain she felt inside. Yet Joshua seemed oblivious to her fury, her suffering.

He said, “I know, I know Lysander is the father of your children. If it were possible, I’d wish for you to marry Lysander too, to give the kids a complete family. But Zephyr has made his stance clear; he’ll never allow you to become a Sinclair. No matter your history with Lysander, there’s no future. But Zephyr likes Rosalind, and only she can marry Lysander without issue.”

Joshua's words stabbed at Thalassa’s heart, each one bringing a fresh wave of pain, leaving her internally bleeding. She clenched her fists tighter, enduring the searing pain inside. Even as she was struggling to breathe from the pain, she refrained from lashing out at Joshua. She was fearful of agitating him, of causing any strain on his health. But Joshua, seemingly unaware of her breaking point, went on.

“Besides, having your sister step in as a stepmother to your children is far better than a stranger. At least, Rosalind won’t harm your kids. She’ll treat them well.”

Thalassa gritted her teeth, forcing herself to endure the torment and pain, without uttering a word.

Joshua wasn’t done, continuing, “Previously, Zephyr and I tried to arrange an engagement between Lysander and Rosalind, but Lysander always refused. Without his agreement, we couldn’t force them together. This time, I merely mentioned it, and Lysander agreed. Even allowing the engagement news to be public. What does this tell you? It shows that Lysander’s novelty with you has worn off, and he’s beginning to accept Rosalind. Deep down, he knows that being with Rosalind is the right choice. Marrying her means taking over the vast Whitman Empire. Men are rational creatures; to them, love is just an accessory. Compared to their careers, love and women don't hold much weight.”

Joshua's initial words only fueled Thalassa's inner turmoil and disappointment, making her feel like she had lost a father's love that was never hers to begin with. But Joshua's last statement cut deep into Thalassa's heart, splitting it in two, leaving her breathless with pain.

Lysander’s acceptance of the engagement with Rosalind, because his excitement with her had faded, choosing the most suitable partner to step into matrimony.

Such stark reality, such a heartbreaking truth.